BLACKBURN Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes has reiterated his love for playing for Scotland and his desire to end his international exile.

Rhodes has not featured in a Gordon Strachan squad since November with his last appearance for his country coming back in September last year.

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Since then the hitman, who has started just one match under Scotland boss Strachan, has continued to prove why he is regarded as the most prolific goalscorer outside of the Premier League.

And Rhodes admits all he can do is continue to do what he does best for Rovers.

“I love playing for my country and it’s a massive honour to do so,” said Rhodes, who has scored 57 goals in 107 games since his club record £8m move to Ewood Park in August 2012.

“I can’t influence what happens at international level.

“All I can do is work hard for Blackburn Rovers, give 100 per cent, try to improve every day and just go from there.”

Strachan, whose side take on Georgia at Ibrox today (5pm), stated in September last year that Rhodes does not suit the lone striker system he deploys with Scotland.

The 24-year-old has been praised by Rovers boss Gary Bowyer this season for the work he is doing to become a more rounded player.

And Rhodes said: “I am trying to better myself but I’ve not made a conscious effort to do so.

“I just try to improve all-round on a daily basis.

“I try to improve on my strengths and on my weaknesses – that’s always the mentality you’ve got to have as a professional.

“So I’m not really making a conscious effort, I’m just trying to do my best at all times.”

Rovers captain Grant Hanley, an international teammate of Rhodes, has backed the striker, who has netted three goals in 11 appearances for Scotland, to force his way back into Strachan’s plans.

“Jordan is disappointed,” said Hanley, who is expected to start this afternoon’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia.

“Like the rest of the lads, he enjoys coming away with Scotland. Jordan is a good professional.

“He’s always working hard and he keeps doing that and keeps scoring goals I think he will get himself back in. Jordan’s such a great lad, he would never spit the dummy out.

“There’s a lot of competition for places here and every game requires different players.

“And if he keeps working hard and keeps scoring goals then I think he will be back.”